We compared the efficacy of conservative management of de Quervain's disease in 30 women postpartum (group 1) and 30 nonpregnant women (group 2). All patients underwent conservative management consisting of 2 weeks of splinting of the affected wrist, followed by physiotherapy and antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Clinical evaluation was performed using a functional score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) of Scott-Huskinson at entry to the study, 1 month later, and at a follow-up of 6 months. Conservative management gave good results in patients in group 1. At the 6-month follow-up a significant difference between the two groups on pain and function was evident. Only one patient in group 1 versus 25 patients in group 2 underwent surgery because of failure of conservative management.